GCC Fish Farming Market Research Report: Forecast (2026-2032)

GCC Fish Farming Market Size: Forecast (2026- 2032)

The GCC Fish Farming Market size is valued at around USD 5.03 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 7.92 billion by 2032. Along with this, the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 6.7% during the forecast period, i.e., 2026-32.

GCC Fish Farming Market Outlook:

The GCC Fish Farming Industry is expanding rapidly as regional governments prioritize aquaculture to reduce seafood imports and enhance food security. Rising per capita fish consumption, coupled with depleted wild fish reserves, is prompting countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman to accelerate sustainable aquaculture initiatives. In 2024, Saudi Arabia’s National Fisheries Development Program advanced large-scale projects under Vision 2030, aiming to boost domestic aquaculture production to 600,000 tonnes annually. A notable example is the NEOM–Tabuk Fisheries partnership, which focuses on modern fish farming to support the kingdom’s long-term sustainability goals.

In the UAE, investments in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and offshore cage farming are increasing to optimize production in water-scarce conditions. Collaboration between ADQ and Finnforel to establish a land-based trout facility illustrates the region’s shift toward high-tech aquaculture. The adoption of smart monitoring systems, AI-based feeding solutions, and sustainable breeding techniques is further transforming the operational landscape. Additionally, expanding cold-chain logistics and seafood processing capacities are strengthening value-chain efficiency. Collectively, these developments are not only ensuring a steady domestic supply but are also positioning the GCC as a competitive aquaculture hub aligned with economic diversification and environmental sustainability goals.

GCC Fish Farming Market Recent Developments:

• July 2025: According to FIS-Net, the United Arab Emirates government announced plans to boost aquaculture exports by investing in modern production systems such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and reducing regulatory barriers.
• December 2024: In the Hail region of Saudi Arabia, the region opened what is described as the largest rainbow-trout farming project in the Kingdom. The facility covers 10,000 m² and includes a hatchery and aquaponics unit, aiming to reduce salmon imports (currently ~23,000 tons annually) and increase domestic production using closed-system technology.

GCC Fish Farming Market Scope:

GCC Fish Farming Market Drivers:

Government Initiatives and Vision 2030 Goals

Strong governmental support and strategic investments are propelling the GCC fish farming industry. In 2025, the Saudi government announced USD3.7 billion in investment agreements across agriculture and fisheries, including projects in shrimp genetics, seaweed farms, and aquaculture-linked food-security cities. Such large-scale funding encourages innovation, technological adoption, and private participation. These efforts not only aim to reduce seafood import dependence but also enhance production efficiency, sustainability, and regional self-sufficiency—making government policy a central driver of aquaculture market expansion across the GCC.

Rising Seafood Demand and Dietary Shifts

Rapid population growth, urbanization, and increasing health awareness are fueling higher seafood consumption across the GCC. Consumers are shifting toward protein-rich diets, with fish viewed as a healthier and more sustainable alternative to red meat. According to the FAO, seafood consumption in the Gulf exceeds 25 kg per capita annually, driven by changing lifestyles and tourism growth. This surging demand compels local producers to scale domestic fish farming operations, invest in efficient breeding systems, and enhance year-round supply capacity to meet evolving consumer preferences.

GCC Fish Farming Market Trends:

Technological Modernization Through RAS and Offshore Systems

GCC fish-farming operations are increasingly embracing advanced recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and offshore cage technologies to overcome land and water constraints. For example, in December 2024, the Finnforel–ADQ agreement in the UAE will build a 3,000-tonne/year RAS facility for rainbow trout. Simultaneously, the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology-Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture initiative in Saudi Arabia is testing offshore cages and RAS for multiple species. These innovations enable producers to control water use, accelerate production cycles, and attract tech-savvy investors, thus enhancing regional supply, lowering costs, and strengthening competitiveness in the GCC aquaculture market.

Value-Chain Integration and Premium Species Targeting

A growing trend across GCC aquaculture is the shift from commodity fish to premium species and fully integrated processing, cold-chain logistics, and branding. Demand for species such as seabass, sea bream, and high-end trout is rising among affluent consumers and the hospitality sector. Reports show increased investment in infrastructure beyond farming, into value-added packaging and distribution. Market players are thus revising business models, acquiring logistics capabilities, and forming strategic partnerships to capture higher margins and differentiate domestically-produced farmed fish from imports.

GCC Fish Farming Market Challenges:

Rising Production Costs and Environmental Constraints

High operational costs and resource constraints remain a major challenge in the GCC fish farming market. The region’s harsh climatic conditions and hypersaline water (up to 50,000 ppm) require advanced RAS technologies and energy-intensive desalination, escalating production expenses. In November 2024, Finnforel’s USD 0.35 billion RAS project in the UAE highlighted these cost pressures, as high setup and energy requirements threaten profitability. Moreover, rising feed and fishmeal prices further strain margins, discouraging small and mid-scale entrants from expanding aquaculture capacity across the region.

GCC Fish Farming Market (2026-32) Segmentation Analysis:

The GCC Fish Farming Market Report and Forecast 2026-2032 offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Based on Species/Product Type

• Sea Bass
• Sea bream
• Salmon
• Mackerel
• Tilapia
• Shrimp & Prawns
• Milkfish
• Trout
• Others

The GCC Fish Farming Market is dominated by the Tilapia segment, owing to its high adaptability to varying salinity, rapid growth cycle, and cost-effective production. Rising demand for affordable and protein-rich seafood in Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE continues to strengthen its market position. In 2025, Gulf Union’s tilapia hatchery in Saudi Arabia achieved a production milestone of 6 million fry annually, with plans to expand to 600 tonnes of fish output. Such advancements highlight tilapia’s scalability and its vital role in achieving regional food security goals.

Based on the Environment

• Brackish Water
• Freshwater
• Marine Water

The Marine Water segment dominates the GCC Fish Farming Market, supported by the region’s vast coastline and large-scale offshore aquaculture projects. Marine systems enable the cultivation of high-value species such as sea bream, grouper, and barramundi, aligning with export and domestic demand. For example, in 2024, KAUST partnered with Saudi Arabia’s MEWA to initiate offshore aquaculture trials along the Red Sea, targeting 280,000 tons of seafood production and boosting national output to 530,000 tons by 2030. Such initiatives emphasize marine farming’s scalability, sustainability, and critical role in regional food security.

Leading Players of the GCC Fish Farming Market:

• National Aquaculture Group (NAQUA)

Established in 1982 and headquartered in Al Lith, Saudi Arabia, NAQUA is one of the world’s largest fully integrated aquaculture operations. The company produces shrimp, barramundi, and other marine species across 2,500 hectares of Red Sea coastline. In 2025, NAQUA announced expansion plans to increase production from 60,000 tons to 250,000 tons annually, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal to achieve food security through sustainable aquaculture practices.  

• Tabuk Fisheries Company

Founded in 2010 and based in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, Tabuk Fisheries specializes in marine cage aquaculture, producing high-value species such as sea bream and sea bass. The company operates in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) to expand offshore cage systems along the Red Sea coast. Its continuous innovation in hatchery and feed technology strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position in the regional aquaculture sector.

• Oman Fisheries Development Company (OFDC)

Established in 1989 and headquartered in Muscat, Oman, OFDC is a leading player in the country’s aquaculture and seafood processing sector. The company focuses on the cultivation of shrimp, tilapia, and seabream while exporting high-quality seafood to over 50 global markets. OFDC’s government-backed initiatives align with Oman Vision 2040, which aims to enhance non-oil exports and food security through sustainable fish farming.

Aqua Bridge (Saudi Arabia), National Aquaculture Group (NAQUA, Saudi Arabia), Almarai Company (Saudi Arabia), Saudi Aquaculture Society, International Marine Products (IMP), Oman Aquaculture Company, Fisheries Development Oman (FDO), Samaq Aquaculture, Al Dahra Agriculture (UAE), Gloryal International Seafood LLC, Gulf Marine Services, Gulf Fish Company, and others are the key players of the GCC Fish Farming Market.  

GCC Fish Farming (2026-32): Regional Projection

Saudi Arabia dominates the GCC fish farming industry due to strong government backing, large-scale investments, and advanced aquaculture infrastructure along the Red Sea coast. The country aims to boost aquaculture production from 100,000 tons in 2023 to 600,000 tons by 2030 under Vision 2030’s food security goals. For example, in 2025, the National Aquaculture Group (NAQUA) announced plans to expand its production from 60,000 tons to 250,000 tons. Additionally, a partnership between KAUST and the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture supports 280,000 tons of output capacity development across coastal zones.

Gain a Competitive Edge with Our GCC Fish Farming Market Report

• GCC Fish Farming Market Report by MarkNtel Advisors provides a detailed & thorough analysis of market size & share, growth rate, competitive landscape, and key players. This comprehensive analysis helps businesses gain a holistic understanding of the market dynamics & make informed decisions.
• This report also highlights current market trends & future projections, allowing businesses to identify emerging opportunities & potential challenges. By understanding market forecasts, companies can align their strategies & stay ahead of the competition.
• GCC Fish Farming Market Report aids in assessing & mitigating risks associated with entering or operating in the market. By understanding market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and potential challenges, businesses can develop strategies to minimize risks & optimize their operations.

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